Signal for rural mail boxes



Oct. 7, 1947. W, J, HURBAN 2,428,423

lSIGNAL FOR RURAL MAIL BOXES Filed April 26, 1946 Patented Oct. 7, 1947 UNITEDv STATES PATENT OFFICE 2 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in signals for rural mail boxes.

My object is to supply a simple and inexpensive mechanism for signaling to rural mail box users that mail matter has been deposited in their mail box.

Also, my object is to construct a signal which will be an attachment to any standard rural mail boX.

In my drawing- Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side view of a rural mail box showing signal trapped down against the mail box by the door flange; Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same; Fig. 3 is an enlarged drawing of the signal itself in upright signaling position; Fig. 4 is a cross section of same on a line 4 4, Fig. 3; and Fig. 5 is an enlarged top view showing method of attachment, on a line 5 5, Fig. 1.

I construct this signaling mechanism by cutting a piece of sheet metal into a square shape 6, Fig.

, 3, and to achieve a diamond shape in the upright position, I affix one corner 1 to one end of a coil spring 8, the other end of the coil spring I afx to a metal base 9 projecting laterally into a point 0n the square of sheet metal I paint a brightly colored spot I9 on a dark background, for the Y sake of good visibility.

, The attachment to the mail box is accomplished by forcing the pointed base I0, Figures 3 and 5, into the crack I I between the riveted part of the catchbar I2 and top of mail box I3.

It is operated as follows: When the door I4, Figures 1 and 2, of the mail box is closed, the square of sheet metal 6 is pulled down and one of the corners I5 is inserted between the door ange IB and side of box I3. There it stays trapped until the door I8 is opened and then the signal springs into an upright position I'I as an indication that mail matter has been deposited for the tenant.

Therefore, I claim:

1. In an attachment for rural mail boxes, a visible member being held above the mail box in an upright displaying position by being connected to one end oi a helical spring, said spring providing flexibility for said Visible member to be drawn down and turned in any direction convenient for restraining same in a non-displaying position, the other end of said helical spring being connected to a base for support, said base having a lateral extension ending in a point providing means for attachment to a mailbox.

2. In an attachment for rural mail boxes having a catchbar riveted to the top, a visible member being held above the mail box in an upright displaying position by being connected to one end of a helical spring, said spring providing flexibility for said visible member to be drawn down and turned in any direction convenient for restraining same ina non-displaying position, the other end of said helical spring being connected to a base for support, said base having a lateral extension by means of which the attachment is kept aixed under the catchbar between the rivets on top of the mail box.

WENDELL J. HURBAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,021,147 Green Mar. 26, 1912 1,458,836 McDowell June 12, 1923 2,193,747 Thompson Mar. 12, 1940 2,217,310 Fatur Oct. 8, 1940 

